Designing a New Bathroom

A new bathroom is a big investment and should be well thought out. Hiring a professional designer is a smart way to get the job done right and avoid costly mistakes.

Start by collecting images of bathroom fixtures and trends you like from home improvement magazines, Pinterest or online. This will help you to define what aesthetic style you want for your new bathroom.

Layout

Bathroom layout is the first thing you need to think about in a new bathroom design. Unlike kitchens where the tried-and-true work triangle helps create efficient spaces, bathroom designs are more dependent on existing plumbing hookups, drains, ventilation, and other practical considerations.

A good plan will balance your needs for efficiency with your design style preferences. You should also consider how often you use the space and who will be using it.

For example, this bathroom layout from Pure Salt Interiors has room for two standalone vanities in a master bath, while a soaking tub and shower take center stage.

The National Kitchen and Bath Association has planning guidelines that help you design a functional bathroom that meets standard regulations. These include the clear space needed around fixtures to allow for cleaning and accessibility. This includes a minimum of 32 inches of open door space and 80 inches in front of toilets. Specialty design elements like built-in nooks for toiletries, a stool at the vanity, a bench in the shower, and frosted glass in shower enclosures can add functionality and enhance privacy.

Materials

Striking the right balance between a visually appealing design and practical functionality can be tricky. Functional elements to consider include storage space, ventilation requirements, and accessibility features such as grab bars or seating. It’s also important to evaluate the room properly and select materials that are durable, low maintenance, and aesthetically pleasing.

For example, resin tiles offer a variety of patterns and colors to suit any style. They’re also easy to clean and hygienic. Meanwhile, terracotta tiles create a cozy, old-world feel that suits traditional and rustic designs. Quarry tiles are another popular choice that’s durable and comes in a variety of earthy tones.

Silestone and Dekton are two popular countertop options that have the high quality and performance required for demanding spaces like bathrooms. They’re shock resistant and waterproof, which makes them ideal for bathroom countertops. Additionally, their large size format allows for fewer joints, which improves hygiene. Cedreo offers a range of tools that make it easier for architects, builders, and remodelers to select and present the right bathroom materials for their clients.

Finishes

Bathrooms can take a lot of abuse and it’s important that your materials can hold up to the moisture, dirt and traffic. Choose finishes that are durable enough to last, even with regular scrubbing.

When choosing your hardware finish, look for a piece that complements your dominant metal, rather than mirroring it. For example, if you have polished nickel fixtures, try opting for accent metals like bronze or oil-rubbed brass to add visual interest.

Flat paint finishes offer a sleek look but aren’t recommended for bathrooms, as they’re porous and can trap mold and mildew. Fortunately, there are many manufacturers that produce mildew-resistant paints that are perfect for bathrooms (like this Intelligent Matte).

Lighting

There are a few different types of lighting to consider when designing your new bathroom. First, you’ll want to ensure that your bathroom is well-lit with ambient light from fixtures like ceiling-mounted chandeliers or hidden rope lights that create a cove lighting effect in crown molding.

Task lighting for the vanity can be achieved with a flush mount fixture or recessed ceiling lights paired with sconces. This type of lighting is necessary to illuminate the space for grooming and hygiene tasks.

Accent lighting is used to add a pop of style and highlight decor or architectural features. This can be accomplished with wall sconces or even lighting strips that run along shelving.

When choosing your light fixtures, keep in mind that you’ll need to match the wattage and color temperature of each bulb. Otherwise, your bathroom can have patches of different brightness that can be distracting. When possible, opt for ENERGY STAR®-certified bulbs to reduce your energy costs and environmental impact.



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